Modelling Temporal Variations in Leachate Quantity Generated at Kahrizak Landfill

Abstract: Kahrizak landfill has been in operation for several decades with no record of the quantity of the generated leachate. An attempt was made to develop a water balance model, which despite the current rough estimates of annual leachate quantity at this site, takes into account the precipitation and evaporation patterns as well as the concept of field capacity. Changes in field capacity and water consumed in gas generation were formulated based on empirical relationships of the nearest applicability to this site found in the literature. Monthly meteorological data were employed with an option provided to convert them into daily average values to match the daily time step if required. The model results for Kahrizak landfill were in good agreement with the estimation made by Tehran municipality, although more reliable results can be achieved if more accurate site specific data is provided through field measurements as well as test trenches